September 12, 1932 – April 2021
STRATFORD – Margaret Kate VanVacter, 89, passed away on April 18, 2021.
Interment will be at 10 a.m. on April 22 at the Stratford Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church with Pastor Michael Rinne officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 21 at the funeral home.
Margaret Kate VanVacter was born in Magnum, OK on Sept. 12, 1932 to Leon and Eugenia VanVacter. They moved to Bowie when she was two years old.
Margaret attended school in the little town of Stoneburg where she was co-valedictorian of the eighth grade. She changed schools to Bowie at the beginning of her junior year and was the valedictorian of her high school class. During these high school years, she was introduced to the General Federation of Women’s Clubs-Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs by her mother who attended the maids and matrons club of Bowie. She was active in volleyball and debating which both won district her senior year—this was as far as they went at this time. Margaret was a member of Alpha Chi, National Honor Society and Los Caballeros Riding Club. She attended Texas Women’s University one year and transferred to the University of North Texas in Denton the following year. She graduated from UNT in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in education. During her college years, she was Rodeo Queen of the Bowie Pioneer Days Celebration.
She taught school for 11 years. She met Bill, her husband while teaching her first year in Spearman. She taught the next two years at Dumas and then moved to Stratford after she and Bill married. She taught the remainder of her 11 years at Stratford.
William Glenn “Bill” Reed Jr. and Margaret Kate VanVacter were married in Clayton, NM on May 19, 1956. They had two sons William R. “Ricky” Reed and Donal L. “Don” Reed. They formed a partnership together named Bill Reed and Sons on Dec. 1, 1982. Bill Reed and Sons was awarded several awards such as Farmer of the Year from Sherman County Soil and Water Conservation District in 2002, and Farmer of the Year 2013 KGNC and Amarillo Chamber of Commerce. They also formed Reed Inc., and Butte Lake Ranch. She kept records and accounts for the multiple farm and ranch enterprises that the family owns and operates. She even raised baby bottle calves in the backyard. She felt that a life in agriculture is a great legacy to pass down through the generations. Margaret enjoyed hosting the family holiday gatherings for her children and grandchildren. Where her infamous ice cream cake was often requested. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their sporting events, rodeos and stock shows. She enjoyed going to Texas Tech University football and basketball games.
Margaret served her community in various roles. Throughout her life she was a member of several boards, clubs and councils. She was a member of the Stratford Independent School District school board for five terms and was the first woman elected to be a member of that board. She was a member of the Sherman County Hospital District where she served as Board President. She was a member of the Education Endowment Board from origination until 2010. Margaret was a member of The Stratford Area Foundation Board. She was a member of the Top of Texas Girlstown Endowment Board at the time Girlstown became part of Boys Ranch. She served as the President of the Sherman County Library Board. She was also a member of the board that started Lollipop Day Care in Stratford. Margaret was also a Cub Scout leader for six years. She was a SCOT Board member and taught the Pricilla Sunday School class at the First Baptist Church of Stratford.
Margaret was a Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs Life Member, a member of TFWC Historical Foundation for 10 years and helped restore the financial stability of the 30,000 square foot TFWC Clubhouse in Austin, TX. Margaret was to be receiving her 50th-year membership pin for TFWC. She was awarded the Outstanding Club Woman of the Top of Texas District where she also served two terms as President. She was a member of the Prospectus Study Club for 53 years. The Sherman County history book titled God Grass and Grit Volume one was published by Prospectus Study Club while Margaret was President.
She won several awards during her lifetime. Margaret was the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority girl of the year for two years. She was awarded the Sherman County Conservation Homemaker in 2004, the Region I Conservation Homemaker in 2005 and the 2000 Distinguished Service Award from the Women’s Forum of Amarillo. She was one of the seven panhandle women to receive the 2000 Distinguished Service Award.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Eugenia VanVacter; husband, Bill Reed; brother, Leighton VanVacter and son Ricky Reed.
She is survived by her son, Don and wife, ViAnn, Stratford; daughter-in-law, D’Lynn, Stratford; grandsons, Adam, Stratford, Brad and wife, Rachael, Sunray, Brent and wife, Alexa, Stratford; granddaughter, Katelyn Salcido and husband, Cesar, Stratford; great-grandchildren, Brayson, Aubrey, Brexlann, Raegan, Brynlee, Kollin and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Lollipop Junction, PO Box 411, Stratford, TX 79084 or Sherman County Area Foundation, PO Box 48, Stratford, TX 79084 or Sherman County Library, 1719 Main Street, Stratford, TX 79084.
Arrangements are entrusted to Beeson ~ Morrison Funeral Directors.
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BEESON ~ MORRISON
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1015 S Dumas Ave| Dumas, TX | 806-935-4646